Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-06 Council MinutesAGENDA KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 7:00 P.M. KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS http: / /www.ci.kenai.ak.us ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll Call 3. Agenda Approval 4. Consent Agenda *All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine and non- controversial by the council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a council member so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda as part of the General Orders. ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (10 minutes) 1. Ed Flanagan, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development -- Present the SHARP Award/Wastewater Treatment Plant Personnel. 2. David Burnett, AAI/Engineering Support, Inc. -- Pacific Rim Institute of Safety and Management/ 2001 in Review. ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Resolution No. 2002-08 -- Awarding the Bid to Eagle Enterprises, Inc. for Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus for Firefighting for the Total Amount of $70,299.04. 2. Resolution No. 2002-09 -- Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Travel Agency Concession Agreement for the Kenai Municipal Airport. 3. *2002 Liquor License Renewals -- George's Casino Bar -- Beverage Dispensary Upper Deck -- Beverage Dispensary Mr. D's -- Beverage Dispensary Alaskalanes -- Recreational Site ITEM D: COMMISSION / COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Council on Aging 2. Airport Commission 3. Harbor Commission -1- 4. Library Commission 5. Parks & Recreation Commission 6. Planning 8, Zoning Commission 7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees a. Beautification Committee b. Kenai Convention & Visitors Bureau Board C. Alaska Municipal League Report ITEM E: MINUTES 1. *Regular Meeting of January 16, 2002. 2. *Work Session Notes of January 4, 2002. 3. *Work Session Notes of January 16, 2002. ITEM F: CORRESPONDENCE ITEM G: OLD BUSINESS ITEM H: NEW BUSINESS 1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified 2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500 3. *Ordinance No. 1947-2002 -- Amending KMC 23.55.050 to Make Part - Time Employees Eligible for Salary Step Increases Based on Longevity and Satisfactory Performance and Amending the Salary Structure Table to Delete a Separate Part -Time Hourly Schedule and Incorporate It Into the Regular Salary Structure Table. 4. *Ordinance No. 1948-2002 -- Amending KMC 1.90.030, Changing the Qualifications for the Beautification Committee, Harbor, Parks and Recreation, and Library Commissions to Allow Up to Two Members Each to be Non -Residents of the City of Kenai. 5. *Ordinance No. 1949-2002 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $7,500 in the Airport Terminal Enterprise Fund for the Purchase of a Range for the Airport Terminal Restaurant. 6. *Ordinance No. 1950-2002 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $1,290 in the General Fund Library Department for a State Grant. 7. Approval -- Change Order No. 3/Kenai Airport ARFF/SRE Facility -- Lighting Changes for the Amount of $5,05 1.00. 8. Approval -- Termination of Leases/James H. Doyle/ Gusty #4, Lots 1, 2, 3, Block 3 and Gusty #5, Lot 4A, Block 3. -2- 9. Discussion -- Conditional Use Permit/Certificate of Compliance Yearly Report Requirements. 10. Discussion -- Industry/ City Businesses Breakfast 11. Discussion -- SB 231 /Authorization to Lease Correctional Facility Space with Municipalities. ITEM I: REPORT OF THE MAYOR ADMINISTRATION REPORTS 1. City Manager 2. Attorney 3. City Clerk ITEM K: DISCUSSION 1. Citizens (live minutes) 2. Council EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled ITEM L: ADJOURNMENT -3- KENAI CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 7:00 P.M. KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS http:1 Z www. ci. kenai. ak. u s MAYOR JOHN J. WILLIAMS, PRESIDING MTNTTTF..q ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at approximately 7:14 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Kenai City Hall Building. A-1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Williams led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. A-2. ROLL CALL Roll was taken by the City Clerk. Present were: Williams, Bookey, Swarner, Moore, Porter and Jackman. Absent was: Bannock A- 3 . AGENDA APPROVAL MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of the agenda as presented and Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no obj ections. SO ORDERED. A-4. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of the consent agenda as presented and Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS B-1. Ed Flanagan, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development -- Present the SHARP Award/Wastewater Treatment Plant Personnel. Richard Mastriano, Director of Labor Standards and Safety, presented the SHARP award, on behalf of the Governor and Commissioner, to Public Works Manager Kornelis and Fred Macvie, STP Operator at the Kenai Wastewater Treatment Facility. Mastriano noted the Kenai facilitywas recognized as the first program to achieve the g p g KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 2 SHARP award in August, 1999, the facility was re -certified in October, 2000 and had now received the award again. B-2. David Burnett, AAI/Engineering Support, Inc. -- Pacific Rim Institute of Safety and Management/ 2001 in Review. Burnett reviewed the information included in the packet, including a schedule of courses to be offered in the next six months, an update of past activities, and future goals. He noted the following: • PRISM is a registered postsecondary school in Alaska. • PRISM Firefighter I and Firefighter II courses are Alaska and internationally certified. • EMT I and II courses are nationally certified. • The facility has received Coast Guard approval for instruction of marine safety classes. • Their students have been from Alaska and Canada to Colorado. • ESI has invested approximately $260,000 to engineer and construct the exterior fire propeller. • They are now developing a Coast Guard approved marine basic safety and advanced firefighting curriculum. • They have developed an industrial fundamental rigging class provided to Unocal, Peak Oilfield Services, etc. • They are planning an expansion of a building to house all the rigging, scaffolding, etc. classes. • Their financial projections for 2002 is $875,000 with approximately 2,200 students. • They look to the City of Kenai for continued support. Burnett also noted there would be several items they would bring to council's attention during the preparation of the city's 2002-2003 budget. Because of the costs involved in hiring instructors for their classes and that PRISM was built as a partnership between the city and ESI, Burnett suggested it would be advantageous for personnel from the Kenai Fire Department to help instruct classes at the facility as there are personnel from other state fire departments who teach. He noted, currently there were no city personnel teaching classes at the facility and requested the city's help. It was noted the facility's budget requests to the city had not yet been submitted to city administration and Burnett was requested to do so in order for the information to be reviewed early into the budget preparation. Bookey stated he was impressed with the information received and discussions he recently had with Burnett and urged as much support from the city as possible. Moore questioned the instructor situation from the city and Burnett explained it would KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 3 be advantageous to have the use of their professionalism and expertise, noting the city's use of the facility is free, and their involvement is marketing for the facility. Fire Chief Walden explained the Department does use the facility; have had students enrolled in classes; and have not had a request for personnel to instruct for at least six months. City Manager Snow added, a prioritized list of budgetary concerns had been requested by the Airport Manager in order to include them in the airport's draft budget, but had not yet been received. Williams noted, the development of the PRISM facility in Kenai was developed because the use of the facility would be an economic boost to the community through room rentals, restaurant patronage, etc. In reviewing the information included in the packet, he estimated approximately $150,000 in revenue was received through hotel/motel rentals. In regard to instructors, Williams proposed that all Fire Department personnel be encouraged to become certified instructors which would enhance the Fire Department, the school, etc. In becoming certified, the city's personnel would be able to teach all the courses, operate all the equipment, and work through the fire training school. He added, any concerns of conflicts of interest should be set aside and work toward the training of the city personnel as instructors. Bookey agreed and added, he believed anything the city and council could do to enhance the training facility, should be done. Snow stated she felt all were in agreement, were working together, and thanked council for their words of encouragement. ITEM C: PUBLIC HEARINGS C-1. Resolution No. 2002-08 -- Awarding the Bid to Eagle Enterprises, Inc. for Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus for Firefighting for the Total Amount of $70,299.04. MOTION: Councilman Bookey MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2002-08 and Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion. There were no public comments. It was noted, previously there had been a mandate to obsolete this type of equipment in 15 years, however the new equipment had no obsolescence date. VOTE: There were no objections. SO ORDERED. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 4 C-2. Resolution No. 2002-09 -- Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Travel Agency Concession Agreement for the Kenai Municipal Airport. MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of Resolution No. 2002-09 and requested UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Councilman Moore SECONDED the motion. There were no public or council comments. VOTE: There were no objections. SO ORDERED. C-3. 2002 Liquor License Renewals -- George's Casino Bar -- Beverage Dispensary Upper Deck -- Beverage Dispensary Mr. D's -- Beverage Dispensary Alaskalanes -- Recreational Site Approved by consent agenda. ITEM D: COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REPORTS D-1. Council on Aging -- Swarner reported the notes of Aging's last meeting were included in the packet and she reported on the conference she had attended with the Center's Director. She added, there had been a lengthy discussion regarding the development of an assisted living facility and what the seniors could do to bring more attention to their concerns, including funding options. Swarner noted a needs assessment had been completed during the summer, however the findings were not positive. Williams stated the city needed to determine what its involvement should be in regard to such a facility and suggested partnerships could be explored between the city and a private operator. It was also suggested the council support the seniors' efforts in compilation of information and encourage them to bring that information forward. D-2. Airport Commission -- Jackman reported the minutes of the January 10 meeting were included in the packet. She noted, the Commission recommended purchase of requested kitchen equipment replacement and discussed marketing of the airport. Discussion followed regarding the replacement of the restaurant range. Bookey suggested perhaps it should be the renter's responsibility to replace the equipment and administration was requested to contact the manufacturer for repair personnel to KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 5 investigate the problems with the range prior to the February 20 meeting in order to better determine whether the equipment needs replacing or could be repaired. D-3. Harbor Commission -- Bookey reported there were no topics of discussion for the regularly scheduled meeting of February 11 and requested the meeting be cancelled. There were no objections from council. D-4. Library Commission -- Moore reported a meeting was held on February 5 at which time Bob Peters and Kathy Heus were re-elected as chair and vice chair of the Commission; it was also noted there was a 13% increase in book circulation in January; and the Commission reviewed schematics of the proposed library expansion with Architect Kluge and Public Works Manager La Shot. The Commission requested a work session be scheduled with council to review the schematics, cost estimate and discuss alternatives. Council set a work session for 6:00 p.m., February 20, immediately prior to the council meeting. It was noted Katherine Amen had expressed interest in continuing on the Library Commission, but would be resigning at the end of the summer due to leaving for college. There were no objections in continuing her term on the Commission. D-5. Parks & Recreation Commission -- Porter reported a meeting would be held on February 7. D-6. Planning & Zoning Commission -- No report. D-7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees D-7a. Beautification Committee -- Swarner reported a meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, February 12, 2002. D-7b. Kenai Convention & Visitors Bureau Board -- Bookey reported a meeting was held on Monday, February 4 at which election of officers was conducted and a discussion was held on the bed tax issue. Bookey added, the Board would first discuss the matter at the borough level and work toward getting the tourist industry to support the issue. D-7c. Alaska Municipal League Report -- Williams noted a copy of the "Citizens Information Kit" was included in the packet and suggested the information would be of interest for local radio programs and newspaper articles. BREAK TAKEN: 8:20 P.M. BACK TO ORDER: 8:42 P.M. ITEM E: MINUTES E-1. Regular Meeting of January 16, 2002 -- Approved by consent agenda. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 6 E-2. Work Session Notes of January 4, 2002 -- Approved by consent agenda. E-3. Work Session Notes of January 16, 2002 -- Approved by consent agenda. ITEM F: CORRESPONDENCE -- None. ITEM G: OLD BUSINESS -- None. ITEM H: NEW BUSINESS H-1. Bills to be Paid, Bills to be Ratified MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to pay the bills and Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. H-2. Purchase Orders Exceeding $2,500 MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED for approval of the purchase orders exceeding $2,500 and Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. H-3. Ordinance No. 1947-2002 -- Amending KMC 23.55.050 to Make Part - Time Employees Eligible for Salary Step Increases Based on Longevity and Satisfactory Performance and Amending the Salary Structure Table to Delete a Separate Part -Time Hourly Schedule and Incorporate It Into the Regular Salary Structure Table. Introduced by consent agenda. H-4. Ordinance No. 1948-2002 -- Amending KMC 1.90.030, Changing the Qualifications for the Beautification Committee, Harbor, Parks and Recreation, and Library Commissions to Allow Up to Two Members Each to be Non -Residents of the City of Kenai. Introduced by consent agenda. H-5. Ordinance No. 1949-2002 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $7,500 in the Airport Terminal Enterprise Fund for the Purchase of a Range for the Airport Terminal Restaurant. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 7 Introduced by consent agenda. H-6. Ordinance No. 1950-2002 -- Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $1,290 in the General Fund Library Department for a State Grant. Introduced by consent agenda. H-7. Approval -- Change Order No. 3 /Kenai Airport ARFF/ SRE Facility -- Lighting Changes for the Amount of $5,05 1.00. Public Works Manager La Shot reported the determination to change the lighting was made since the construction of the building began and it was believed the change would improve the quality of the lighting in the building. MOTION: Councilwoman Porter MOVED for approval of the change order in the amount of $5,051.00 and Councilwoman Swarner SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED, H-8. Approval -- Termination of Leases/James H. Doyle/Gusty #4, Lots 1, 2, 3, Block 3 and Gusty #5, Lot 4A, Block 3. It was noted Mr. Doyle was reducing his business and was no longer in need of the leased area. MOTION: Councilwoman Swarner MOVED to approve the termination of lease with James H. Doyle with regard to the six lots in Gusty Subdivision. Councilman Bookey SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED, H-9. Discussion -- Conditional Use Permit/ Certificate of Compliance Yearly Report Requirements. Bookey explained he requested the issue be brought back to council for review as he thought the method of determining whether conditional use permits were active and in compliance was too cumbersome and time consuming. He added, the request for sales and property tax compliance certificates had no bearing on a conditional use and is a borough function and whether there is water/ sewer payments due, lease payments due, etc. was information the Finance Department could answer. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 8 Bookey requested the system be re-evaluated and simplify the form so that the permit holder can fill it out in five minutes and return it. It was also noted the form needed a signature line for the permit holder to sign. Porter suggested there should be two reports; an initial one completed when first applying for a conditional use permit and the other a yearly report with the permit holder's name, mailing address, whether they are still operating within the permit. She added, the ordinance states "to provide for an annual report summarizing on -site activities for the year" and it did not say providing the sales tax, business license number, etc. and only a summary of the on -site activities for the year was needed. Porter stated she agreed with Bookey the form was cumbersome on a yearly basis. She requested administration to reconsider the information requested for the yearly report. Snow noted, the requested information discussed in the ordinance, was thought to be efficient at the time and suggested administration check the other items of information required on the form prior to mailing it to the permit holder and then have the holder do the initial and annual reports. Doing this would not require a change to the ordinance. Swarner suggested that if the form is changed, the ordinance would not need to be changed. Snow stated she was needing clarification from council whether they wanted to amend the portion of the ordinance that requires the yearly sales and property tax information, etc. She asked if council wanted to no longer require that information or continue requiring the information, but have administration do it. Porter stated she would prefer having administration fill in that information. Bookey stated he had no problem in making further contacts with permit holders who the city has found in their research not to be in compliance with taxes or owing lease payments, etc. He requested changes be made to the form and returned to council for review prior to implementing it. Moore requested the city's fax number be included on the form, as well as a signature line for the permit holder. Williams requested administration review the ordinance and bring back suggested changes, if any, with the revised form. Nick Miller -- Explained he has had a small business in Kenai for 22 years which requires a conditional use permit. When he received the form, he also wondered what the purpose was for it and agrees there are people who may not be complying with the permit. However, he believed some of the information requested duplicates what the borough requires and the compliance certificate from the borough would include property, etc. that has nothing to do with the business that uses the permit. He suggested the form ask if they are still in business and whether they are in compliance. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 9 Porter explained the city was issuing conditional use permits which are open-ended and there was no way to know whether the permit holder was still in business. The ordinance was designed to monitor the permit use. She agreed the current form was too cumbersome and suggested a check off list (is your permit still in use, have you expanded the business, etc.). Barry Eldridge, 2679 Bowpicker Lane, Kenai -- Stated he also thought the form duplicated the borough's responsibility and agreed it is necessary to know whether the permit is still in use, paying taxes, etc. Eldridge suggested the report be required every three years instead of annually. H-10. Discussion -- Industry/City Businesses Breakfast Williams reminded council how successful the last breakfast they had with members of area industries was and suggested another breakfast be held, this time including members from area businesses as well. Council had no objections and suggested invitations be sent to members of the tourist industry, ERA Aviation, bankers and lenders, Carr's, Kmart, Three Bears, industrial supply companies, the hospital, and local Native organization representatives. Council selected March 8 at 7:00 a.m. at the Merit Inn and an alternate date as March 5. H-11. Discussion -- SB 23 1 /Authorization to Lease Correctional Facility Space with Municipalities. Williams referred to a copy of the bill which was included in the packet. He noted, the current wording of the bill referred only to seven boroughs who may enter into agreements with the state to expand or construct new correctional facilities. Williams explained, because the Kenai Peninsula Borough may not want to get involved in an expansion of the Wildwood Correctional Facility, and because the City of Kenai has the ability to issue revenue bonds for projects that promote economic development in and around the city, he would like to request Senator Green, the maker of the bill, to amend the bill and add the City of Kenai as a municipality with which the state could enter into an agreement, if the borough does not wish to be involved. Attorney Graves was requested to write the letter for Mayor Williams' signature and prepare a resolution in support of the bill for the next meeting. Williams noted, before entering into a binding contract, a feasibility report will be prepared to discuss the effect the addition of beds to the Wildwood facility would have on the community, costs, infrastructure, etc. ITEM I: REPORT OF THE MAYOR -- Mayor Williams reported on the following matters: • There were problems with the lighting system at the multipurpose � facility. Public Works Manager La Shot reported time had already been scheduled for the repair. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 10 • There were several scale models of platforms, etc. that had been presented to the college which were now being stored away. He noted he had not yet discussed the matter with the college, but thought they might be placed in the same area in the airport where the large oil platform was currently situated. Swarner suggested there could be a problem as there were now some toys placed in that area. Airport Manager Cronkhite noted an art committee of the airport had been formed and they could discuss the matter more closely. She added, they were reviewing cultural and industrial displays for the whole terminal. ITEM J: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS J-1. City Manager -- City Manager Snow reviewed the memorandum included in the packet and noted the following: • A teleconference was held with the Department of Fish & Game and city representatives to discuss potential solutions in providing environmental protection to the south side of the river during the dip net fishery. Snow stated a number of mitigating solutions were discussed, i.e. construction of a facility to control access, provide parking, waste disposal, fee collection, emergency operation, etc. Fish & Game requested additional information, i.e. maps, aerial photos, etc. to examine the issue further, however indicated construction of a facility would not be likely due to permitting concerns. No solutions were determined during the discussion, but the Sports Fish Division representative indicated he would take steps to increase their enforcement and education programs related to the fishery, i.e. requesting additional funding for supplying leaflets, etc. • The downstairs remodel project was almost complete and employees had been discussing changes that might be undertaken for an upstairs remodel, in order to create the most efficient and beneficial use of the upstairs space. Considerations in developing a plan included productivity, efficiency, morale, privacy, etc. Primarily the plan would include the addition of some walls and possibly one or two windows. She added, the project was estimated at approximately $20,000 and the work should be able to be completed by the end of the fiscal year and within the Buildings Repair 8v Maintenance budget. Snow added, if council agreed with the approach and plan (suggested plan was included in the packet) , they would proceed with the project and if not, she requested direction and/or suggestions. • She would be out of town from February 7-11 and in her absence, the Finance Director would be the Acting City Manager. • Department head reports would be included in the packet of the second meetings of the month. However, the department heads were available for questions at any time. A lengthy discussion followed regarding the upstairs remodel. Comments included: 0 The cost of the upstairs renovation was estimated at $20,000 KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 11 • The renovation estimate didn't include furnishings, equipment for the new office area, and didn't include public bathroom upgrades requested by council or lighting upgrades (lighting was planned prior to the renovation project) . • No costs for furnishings was included in the upstairs remodel estimated cost. Bookey asked if the heating and ventilation concerns would be addressed in this project and how much more electrical work would have to be done. He added, he was concerned the city would be in a deficit mode before the end of the year and didn't want to take on projects that may not be necessary, which he felt the renovation was not a major necessity and would not support the project. Snow explained, the heating and ventilation study was a separate project and initially it was intended to be included as one capital project. She added, it was her understanding the renovation work would not affect the heating and ventilation. Snow continued, she agreed it was a difficult part of the council's job to investigate different options and where to spend money. However, the repair and maintenance of buildings is very important and as changes are made, there is a definite need to keep up the maintenance and repair. There were some efficiency, morale, personnel issues that she felt, made it important the changes be made and that was why the issue was brought forward. She noted, the funding was available in the budget to do the work. Bookey stated he felt the project was new construction and not repair and maintenance and felt $20,000 could be spent more effectively than this project. Moore stated he felt offices were necessary especially when dealing with personnel issues and suggested some privacy for the department heads if a rearrangement was going to be made in the upstairs area. Porter suggested the Finance Director's area be walled in, but didn't agree with adding other walls and felt the conference table now in the Public Works area could be moved to the space that will be left vacant after the Clerk's office is moved. She added, she was also concerned about the estimated cost of the project and understood that if those funds were taken from the current balance in repair and maintenance, it would leave only approximately $20,000 for other items that may come up prior to the end of the fiscal year. She suggested that if administration finds there would be a surplus left in that budget by the first of June, then perhaps the issue should be returned to council for discussion. Jackman agreed with Bookey the project would be new construction and thought the downstairs area should be completed and maybe at a later date discuss the upstairs or make changes to the upstairs in steps. Swarner asked if additional electrical work would be needed in the copy room and La Shot answered, there would be work needing to be done, but those costs had been included in the $20,000 estimate. Swarner stated she appreciated the employees' input, but was also reluctant to go forward with the work at this time. She agreed that if there was a surplus left in the KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 12 repair and maintenance budget in June, then perhaps go forward with the project and in the meantime, make changes that would have no costs to them. Swarner stated she had understood the cost of upgrading the public restrooms had been included in the budget and would like to see the ventilation and heating upgraded before adding walls. Snow requested clarification to be sure of council's direction: • Council would prefer to look at the project in May or June when having a better idea of how much money would be available in this year's budget. • Swarner requested administration prioritize what they would like to do first and then go down the list. • Council agreed the Accountant needed walls around her area due to the personnel issues dealt with at that desk Discussion continued in regard to the project. The following concerns were expressed: • That the upstairs project would be contracted out by the city in parts, as the project was downstairs, and not bid. • The building was originally built with the concept of open work areas, however in current management studies, morale, productivity, efficiencies, etc. are higher with more private work areas, as well as an increase in customer service. • Because of the small percentage of times the Accountant needs privacy to discuss confidential personnel issues, garnishments, deferments, etc., one of the conference rooms should be used during those times. • Support for putting walls around the Finance Director and Accountant was given, except the cost for placing a window in the Accountant's work area would be too expensive (unless the window space could be cut by city personnel and the cost for walls and doors for two offices can be kept under $5,000). Consensus was reached that walls be placed for the Finance Director's office and bring issue back at budget for further discussion. • Porter requested a follow-up meeting be scheduled with Fish 8, Game in regard to the south side of the river. She suggested that if Fish & Game cannot help solve the problem (and not by passing out leaflets) she wanted to close the beach during the dip net fishery. Williams noted that would be very difficult to do. Snow added, they had already explained to Fish 8. Game representatives that the city would be investigating ways to close the access and it was her understanding there is no way to do that. Attorney Graves explained, the access road to the beach is a section line easement and is controlled by the State and it would be very difficult to eliminate the easement and would require the State's consent, unless an alternative access was available. Graves added, beyond the high water mark, under the public trust doctrine, there is a public access easement and measures could be taken to restrict vehicular traffic, but that would probably be the limit of control the city would have. Porter KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 13 stated she would prefer people walking onto the beach instead of driving, in order to protect the dunes, etc. Graves stated that was something the city could investigate. Snow added, she agreed prohibiting vehicular access would be excellent, but it wouldn't stop the sanitation problems on the beach and could make it worse. Snow was requested to request a follow-up meeting. Porter stated she spoke with Assemblyman Popp who stated, that after the city decides how it wants to proceed, the Borough would support the city. • Swarner stated she appreciated the Fire Department's monthly report for the first part of January. • Bookey stated he received many phone calls in regard to the brush burning that had been done recently. Though there were weather problems, etc., he hoped more consideration is put to them than a normal burning permit in the future, i.e. have equipment on site to put out the fires, etc. Swarner asked if the permit holder was billed for the hours worked by the city to put the fire out and Snow answered, no because the permittee was in compliance with the terms of the permit. Fire Chief Walden added, stipulations on the burn permit were more stringent as eight additional criteria were added, i.e. 24-hour watch and phone contact ability, as well as heavy equipment and heavy equipment operators at the Fire Department's disposal. He reported, the permittee complied entirely, and it was his understanding the fires were at the end stage of the burn when the weather changed. Bookey stated the owner of the project told him the construction company was out of the project and would be brought back on an as -needed basis. He added, he wanted fans on future fires of this type in order to keep the fires hot enough to keep smoke levels down. • Bookey asked if anything had changed in regard to airport parking in front of the terminal. Airport Manager Cronkhite reported some of the cones had been removed; they are continuing to work with the public; they are still in the process of getting a traffic consultant to help with design of traffic flow; they are still encouraging people to drop off in front of the terminal and park parallel to the sidewalk, etc. Bookey asked for the FAA rules and regulations for parking. Cronkhite stated she would only be able to include the rule requiring parking 300 feet out in front of the terminal and that they were not implementing that because the city airport is small enough that the FAA is not yet cracking down on that rule and she believed, until they get to issuing rules for airports of this size, some changes may be made. Cronkhite added, they are taking prudent measures because the federal government had not yet made significant written determinations to airports that are enplaning into aircraft of less than 60 passenger seats just as ERA Aviation is taking prudent measures with the random search they are doing. Bookey stated he hoped some form of normalcy would return by spring. • Bookey noted some concerns with gate accesses to the airport. Cronkhite explained, their priority is security and she has convinced the FAA to award discretionary funding to replace all the gates as they have been a problem since they KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 14 were first installed. Cronkhite added, the new gates would require a card to open and that they wanted to be able to secure the airport to curtail vandalism, etc. as well. • Swarner asked if there was any interest noted for the gift shop area in the airport terminal. Cronkhite stated no, the current restaurant lessee has several more months to exercise their option to utilize the space for an espresso/gift shop. • Swarner asked if city departments would be involved in the snowmobile safety class recently advertised in the paper and it was noted the Fire Marshal was part of that group. Swarner asked Police Chief Morris if the city was citing unlicensed snowmobile drivers and Morris answered, if they are on the roadway and they are not licensed, they can be cited and some are. • Moore noted the fence in the back part of the airport is down. Cronkhite stated she has requested funding from the FAA for fence repair money along with the gate replacement. J-2. Attorney -- Graves stated he would be working on the letter to Senator Green and requested Williams to review the letter. J-3. City Clerk -- Freas reported the display case for the Mt. View Quilt had been hung at the airport and when the information about the quilt provided by the children has been framed, she will be inviting the teacher and students to join members of council to hang the quilt (probably sometime in the next two weeks) . Williams referred to information included in the packet regarding a letter from a quilting group wanting permission to make a city quilt. Swarner suggested the information be given to a local quilting group for them to make contact if they were interested. There were no objections from council. ITEM K: DISCUSSION K-1. Citizens -- None. K-2. Council Bookey -- Thanked council for holding the meeting for his arrival and the Kenai Police Department for their recent help and their fine work and professionalism. Swarner -- Noted the following items: • Referred to Williams' comments regarding the employees of the Fire Department serving as instructors at the fire training facility. She stated she agreed partially, but that some people are good instructors and some not, and some may be interested in being an instructor and some may not. She requested the matter be brought back as a budget item, unless they would be doing the instructing on their time off. Williams noted it would be on the employee's off hours from the city. Swarner asked if there were current restrictions on the Fire Department employees to act as instructors. Fire Chief Walden answered, the employees currently had that KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 15 opportunity to be instructors, however, when they do, it is at the city's expense and an elective on the employees part if they want to spend their days off at the training center. Williams asked if, on occasion, if there had been employees or ex -employees who were asked to curtail their activities at the training center or refused the opportunity to become instructors. Walden answered no, and added, there had been personnel issues dealt with many months ago and that person's performance had drastically improved and he found other things to do on his day off and who elected not to instruct at the training center at this time. • Swarner asked if the interagency meeting regarding the coastal trail was open to the public and Public Works Manager Kornelis answered, the meeting had not been advertised and truly was not designed for the public. Snow answered, it was her understanding council wanted the meeting to be between the agencies, city's consultant and administration representatives. Williams stated he purposely was not going to attend but wanted it understood he was reserving his right to attend any of the meetings following. Moore -- No comments. Porter -- •Noted, she understood it was not the fault of the Airport Manager, but felt there was no security at the airport. Jackman -- • Asked if the Fire Department employees work on a merit system and wanted to develop additional avenues for the fire employees to participate more with the fire training facility. Walden explained, they do have employees that contract with other companies out of PRISM, but don't work for PRISM. He added, they do encourage their employees to take an active role in the training facility, i.e. demonstrating equipment for classes, etc. Porter asked Walden if it was his opinion that any firefighter that is trained to teach can go to PRISM and teach. Walden answered, yes, that was the way it had been since the facility was opened. Jackman noted she had been traveling weekly to Anchorage in regard to her business, using the Kenai Airport during the heavy flight times of the day, and has seen no congestion, vehicles in the way, people are friendly and cordial, and complimented Cronkhite adding, when she's there it seems the parking, etc. has been working quite well. Williams -- • Referred to the copy of a City of Homer letter included in the council's packet regarding the issue of annexation and suggested council review it. • Noted an application for appointment to the Harbor Commission from Jay Barrett was included in the packet and requested the application be returned KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2002 PAGE 16 when the ordinance to allow two non -city resident members of commissions and committees (except Planning 8s Zoning) is in effect. • Referred to the subsistence management information distributed to council prior to the meeting and suggested council review it as well. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled ITEM L: ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:50 p.m. Minutes transcribed and prepared by: �2t� Carol L. Freas, City Clerk